As Mary Angelou once said, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength”. And so, just in time after the recent unpleasant cultural clashes around the world, the Kaya Festival is arriving in Port Talbot to spread a little happiness and once again teach the world how special cultural diversity is. Kaya is a family friendly festival that celebrates the world of music and culture, by blending together a mixture of African, Jamaican, European, Latin and Caribbean music alongside providing a multitude of workshops, arts, food stalls and activities. These inspiring workshops include a storytelling workshop (perfect for young’uns), a mad science workshop (perfect for mad’uns) and a drumming workshop (perfect for noisy’uns). Kaya also provides young people with their very own Kaya youth zone, which features an enticing stage offering a platform for young bands. The festival will also showcase a tantalising range of diverse food stalls with something for everyone; Portuguese BBQ, piri piri chicken, flame grilled meat and even gluten free and vegan food.

This wonderful festival displays the arts from around the world, from Mexico to Wales and everything in between. In previous years Kaya has worked alongside some of the most influential artists and musicians from around the world, but are also incredibly proud to help support young and up-and-coming local acts and performers. In 2015 they had over 150 musical acts across 4 stages, including performers such as Brand New Heacues, Norman Jay, The Skints, Mykal Rose Voice of Black Uhuru, Holly Cook, Tinchy Stryder, Lee Scratch Perry (who produced music for Bob Marley and other highly influential World music artists) and many more.

This year’s current headline acts includes Don Letts, Asian Dub Foundation, Jerry Dammers, Craig Charles, Judge Jules & Paul Trouble Anderson.

Hosted in the idyllic fairy-tale setting of Margam Country Park, tickets to this event are selling fast. You can book for either one-day, or camp there for the entire weekend and experience all of the wonderful experiences this festival has to offer.

CHELSEA BROWNHILL

Kaya Festival, Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, Thurs 4 – Sun 7 Aug. Tickets: £79. Info: www.kayafestival.com